Disney has cemented its dominance in the global box office over the last decade, and it's no accident.
With acquisitions of some of the world's largest movie studios, including LucasFilm, Marvel Studios, and 20th Century Fox, the company now holds a commanding presence at the global box office.
From Marvel’s action-packed superhero blockbusters to Pixar's heartwarming animated features, Disney has given us some of the most memorable cinematic experiences.
Let's take a look at the top-grossing Disney films that have set the box office on fire over the past 10 years and how they've managed to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen.
10. Black Panther (2018) — $1.34 billion
Marvel Studios’ groundbreaking superhero film not only broke records but also shattered cultural barriers. Featuring Chadwick Boseman’s iconic portrayal of King T'Challa, Black Panther became the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The movie was a global phenomenon, blending action with a deep message about African culture and identity.
09. Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015) — $1.4 billion
This epic Marvel installment was the second film in the Avengers franchise. With the introduction of new characters like Scarlet Witch and Vision, as well as the menacing AI Ultron, the movie delivered thrills and set the stage for even bigger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) moments to come.
08. Frozen II (2019) — $1.45 billion
Frozen II continues the beloved story of Elsa and Anna as they venture beyond Arendelle to uncover the secrets of Elsa's powers. With mesmerizing animation, hit songs like "Into the Unknown," and an emotional journey, this sequel became one of Disney's highest-grossing animated films.
07. The Lion King (2019) — $1.66 billion
Disney’s live-action remake of the classic Lion King film brought the beloved characters to life with cutting-edge CGI. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film was a visual marvel, though the nostalgia of the original animated version made it a must-see for fans of all ages.
06. Inside Out 2 (2024) — $1.69 billion
Pixar’s emotionally intelligent sequel continues the journey inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, this time as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. With a new cast of emotions and a deeper exploration of Riley’s growing mind, Inside Out 2 became a critical and financial success.
05. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) — $1.95 billion
Spider-Man: No Way Home not only brought back Tom Holland’s Peter Parker but also introduced characters from alternate universes, including the return of former Spidey stars Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. This multiverse crossover became one of the most fan-celebrated Marvel films ever.
04. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) — $2.05 billion
The film that had everyone holding their breath. With its climactic battle against Thanos, Infinity War set up one of the most emotional endings in cinematic history. The MCU’s culmination of over a decade’s worth of storylines had fans on the edge of their seats as they awaited the fallout in the next film.
03. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) — $2.07 billion
The Star Wars saga was reborn with the release of The Force Awakens. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film introduced new faces like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, while also bringing back iconic characters like Han Solo and Princess Leia. It set the stage for a new era of Star Wars films, bringing the franchise back to its glory days.
02. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) — $2.32 billion
James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to Avatar returned audiences to the lush world of Pandora. With its groundbreaking visual effects, The Way of Water captivated audiences once again, showcasing a powerful environmental message and pushing the limits of film technology.
01. Avengers: Endgame (2019) — $2.79 billion
The grand finale of the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame not only became the highest-grossing film in history at the time, but also marked the end of an era for the MCU. With epic battles, emotional goodbyes, and the culmination of over 10 years of storytelling, Endgame was the ultimate superhero blockbuster.
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